Rolex Daytona, Air-King and Datejust Models from Baselworld 2016 (photo: Rolex)

The image above shows the star of Rolex's Baselworld 2016 stand, the Cosmograph Daytona 116500LN. This model update dominated coverage of the brand for months after the trade show and still demands a waiting list to get your hands on one. Next to it is the Air-King, which was re-introduced in a larger size with a unique logo with a yellow crown and green lettering. The Datejust received an upgrade in terms of size, with a 41 millimeter case this time around fitted with the new 3235 movement.

Everose Gold Rolex Models from Baselworld 2016 (photo: Rolex)

Everose gold was a common theme last year, with the Lady-Datejust 28, Pearlmaster and Yacht-Master getting rose gold configurations. The Lady-Datejust features a 2236 movement that is powered by the watchmaker's patented Syloxi silicon hairspring. The Pearlmaster above offers a blinged out watch for women that surely had their gem-setters busy for some time. The Yacht-Master 40 received an Everose Rolesor configuration with a chocolate dial. The combination of a chocolate dial with rose gold is a common theme in the Rolex Oyster collection.

Rolex Explorer and Cellini Models from Baselworld 2016 (photo: Rolex)

At first look last year, I wasn't sure what the update to the Explorer I was. Over time I discovered that they actually added luminescence to the large characteristic Arabic 3, 6, and 9 and also elongated the minute hand. Rose gold once again is featured, this time on the Cellini model shown above. Based on hindsight, it is likely that Rolex will stick to this method for their Baselworld 2017 model releases. They will likely feature one of their materials, like the Everose gold was features in 2016. All bets are on the Sea-Dweller 4000 receiving a full update for its 45th anniversary and the watchmaker will likely take advantage of the press from the show to introduce small but meaningful updates to existing models, like they did with the Explorer and Datejust 41 last year.

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Rolex Oysterflex Bracelet (photo: Rolex/Thomas Hensinger)

2016 Rolex Sea-Dweller 4000 (photo: Rolex)

With 2016 coming to an end and Baselworld 2017 approaching, many wonder how watchmakers like Rolex plan to change their collections to mark the passage of another year. Forum members and bloggers have already begun speculating which models will receive new configurations and which may be discontinued. I have put together a few of my ideas on the subject based on past years below while we wait for the official announcement leading up to Baselworld next March.

Anniversaries
One thing that I have noticed about Rolex is that they like to mark the anniversaries of their models' introductions with special edition watches. The biggest anniversary being celebrated in 2017 is that of the Sea-Dweller, originally introduced fifty years ago. It is more than likely that this milestone will be marked with a new configuration, maybe featuring a blue bezel or dial, an Oysterflex strap or a size increase. Other models with anniversaries in 2017 are the Yacht-Master with its 25th anniversary, the YM2 introduced ten years ago and the original GMT-Master II which was introduced thirty-five years ago. Will Baselworld 2017 bring a GMT-Master II 'Coke' as many predict? Or will Rolex present a Sea-Dweller on Oysterflex Bracelet instead? We will have to wait and see.

Materials
One of the biggest model configurations introduced in recent years, the ceramic Daytona (Reference # 116500LN) proved that the demand for models with their Cerachrom bezel insert is high. Their Oysterflex strap is another interesting feature that I feel may appear on more models in the coming year. The watchmaker introduced many Everose gold configurations in 2016 on their sports and dress watches, making it another popular material to look out for. As I mentioned in a previous post, I also hold out hope for a bronze configuration, though many enthusiasts find it improbable. The idea of an Explorer II with a bronze case and leather strap still excites me, though.

Sizes
One of the ways in which Rolex introduces new model configurations is by changing their case sizes. The Datejust and Explorer models have seen increased case sizes in recent years and the big watch trend does not seem to be going anywhere, so I think it is likely that they will come out with new case sizes for one or more of their models. With the current selection of Sea-Dweller and Submariner models sized at 44 millimeters and 40 millimeters, I think that there is a possibility for a 42 millimeter Sea-Dweller 4000 configuration. I also see the possibility for a Yacht-Master configuration in a new size.

Predictions
One of the 2017 Rolex model predictions that has already gained traction on forums is the discontinuation of the 44 millimeter Deepsea. While I am not entirely convinced, I do think that the watchmaker would benefit from positioning a new Sea-Dweller configuration closer to the Deepsea in size while slowly phasing out the Deepsea over time. I think it is also more likely to see more Everose gold configurations than the introduction of a bronze model, though I think bronze would be a bold move. The Cerachrom bezel insert and Oysterflex strap may make appearances again, perhaps this time on more colorful configurations.

For more information on the 2016 Rolex model lineup, check out my Rolex Shopping Guide or visit rolex.com.